Corcoran Pond Dam, also known as Snows Brook Dam, is a crucial water resource in Waterville Valley, New Hampshire, serving primarily for recreational purposes.
Wind
Humidity
This earth dam, completed in 1976, stands at a height of 16.5 feet and spans 253 feet in length. With a storage capacity of 40.8 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 20.8 acre-feet, the dam controls the flow of Snows Brook, a tributary with a drainage area of 2.81 square miles.
The dam's spillway, with a width of 36 feet, is uncontrolled, allowing for the discharge of up to 3057 cubic feet per second. Despite being rated with a high hazard potential, the dam is in satisfactory condition as of its last assessment in May 2017, with a moderate risk level. The dam is under the jurisdiction of the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services Dam Bureau and is subject to state regulations, inspections, and enforcement. While no emergency action plan has been reported, the dam's emergency preparedness and risk management measures remain unspecified.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Corcoran Pond Dam presents an intriguing case study in dam management and safety. Its location in the scenic Grafton County, New Hampshire, along with its recreational significance, highlights the importance of balancing environmental conservation with public enjoyment. As climate change continues to impact water resources, understanding the role of dams like Corcoran Pond in water management and risk mitigation becomes increasingly vital for sustainable development and resilience in the face of evolving climate challenges.
Year Completed |
1976 |
Dam Length |
253 |
Dam Height |
16.5 |
River Or Stream |
SNOWS BROOK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
5 |
Drainage Area |
2.81 |
Nid Storage |
40.8 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
17 |
Pemigewasset River At Woodstock
|
164cfs |
East Branch Pemigewasset River At Lincoln
|
107cfs |
Bearcamp River At South Tamworth
|
152cfs |
Pemigewasset River At Plymouth
|
461cfs |
Baker River Near Rumney
|
70cfs |
Saco River Near Conway
|
315cfs |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Waterville
|
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Waterville Campground
|
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Osceola Vista Campground/Group Campground
|
||
Osceola Vista Campground
|
||
Flat Mountain Pond Shelter
|
||
Camp Rich Tentsite
|